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“Ahhhhh!”

Riley’s scream rings out as I chase her around the wood-chipped area and onto the grass. Steering her toward her dad, I mouth, “Help me.”

Leo grins from his place on the picnic blanket. Shooting to his knees, he catches her around the waist.

“I win!” She grins.

“I . . . didn’t realize . . . we . . . were racing.” I pant out.

Collapsing onto the blanket, I starfish.

“I wanna play tag again!” She wiggles in her dad’s hold.

“It’s your turn.” I wave at him.

“Baby, go play on the slide and let Shelby recover. Apparently, she’s getting old.” I don’t need to open my eyes to know he’s grinning. I can hear it.

“I got it from you.” I huff, still trying to catch my breath.

“Old age isn’t contagious.”

I feel him lean over me a second before his lips brush mine.

My eyes snap open. Turning my head, I check if anyone saw.

“Someone might see.”

“Why would I care if someone sees me kissing my girlfriend?”

I turn at his tone.

Leo grips my jaw, holding me steady as he places a firm kiss on my lips and then another.

“Is that what I am?” I ask shyly.

We may be fucking a lot, but other than that first night I found out, we haven’t spoken about us.

“That’s exactly who you are, at least until I marry you. Either way, you’re mine, and I want everyone to know it.”

I swallow under his intense stare. My eyes drop to his lips, and I watch as a smirk takes place.

“Come here,” he whispers.

Seeing him lean in again, I allow the hand on my neck to brace me as I meet him halfway. Our kiss is gentle and too brief.

Sighing, Doc pulls back. “What did Cooper want?”

“Nothing.” I brush off his question.

“What did he want?” he repeats.

“Nothing.” I shake my head, tone sharper.

Subtle, Shelby.I roll my eyes.

“What have I told you about that?” Leo growls, tracing his finger down my jaw. “It’s rude. I’m not a strict lover, Shelby, but lying has no place in this relationship.”

I glare, snapping before I can rein myself in. “Oh, you mean like you did?”